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March 3, 2011
El
idioma Español
Response from Eric Lee, LAUSD
School Board Candidate
Question# 1
LAUSD has sent out a public
statement in support of all LAUSD students should be covered by the state for medical services and
doctor visits. Do you have any vision that there may be a better
state-wide medical coverage program? Please try to
give quantitative support to your ideas about this issue.
Answer #1: LAUSD’s recognition that
their students would perform better if supported by a
State-of-the-Art healthcare system is commendable and
demonstrates a leadership position among school districts across
America. San Francisco currently has a Single Payer Universal
Healthcare system for all persons regardless of age that has
successfully operated for a few years. Interestingly enough, the
head of the San Francisco Public Health Department, Mitch Katz,
has recently moved to lead the Los Angeles County Health
Department. I would recommend to LAUSD Superintendent Deasy to
inquire of Mr. Katz if he has begun to assess the feasibility of
implementing a San Francisco-styled healthcare system to cover
all people living in L.A County. In multiple conversations with
former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsome, he indicated that
Universal Healthcare is possible if it is made a budgetary
priority. Healthcare is a fundamental right that every person
should be entitled to receive.
As a matter of fact there happens to
be a free public seminar to strengthen the call for Single Payer
healthcare just one block east of USC on Sunday, March 6, 2011.
(
http://singlepayernow.net/events/an-afternoon-with-dr-quentin-young/
)
Question# 2
Is there a conflict between A-G
college requirements for "all" students and the call from some corners of society
for a return to offer technical training courses in high schools? Please
first answer this question directly (yes or no---a general view of how these
two concepts work). Afterwards, state how you plan to best serve the
needs of students with a focus on these two concepts.
Answer #2: No, I do not
see a conflict between A – G requirements and technical training
courses. Technical training courses require students to be
proficient in the core subject matters of Mathematics (Algebra),
Reading Comprehension and Science. LAUSD must engage ÒIntegrated
LearningÓ methods which prepare students to be college and
career ready.
Question 3
The Los Angeles Times reported the
fact that community college buildings recently constructed to improve
technical training were not built properly. Many millions have been wasted
because of poor administrative planning. Concerning LAUSD architectural design, new
construction, and spending: What could have been done to yield better results? Do
you have any suggestions for future LAUSD construction?
Answer #3: LAUSD must
implement methods of accountability and construction oversight
similar to what is conducted in private industry. Phased
approvals must be implemented at various stages of construction
to ensure compliance with building codes and design
specifications.
Question# 4
Over the past decade LAUSD has
applied for and received millions of dollars to train school staff
concerning professional ethics. Have you any reports causing you
concern there are ethical violations by
high level administrators that negatively impact school settings? A simple "yes" or "no"
response would be satisfactory here. Please share your view of this issue to reveal your level of
understanding. Expound.
Answer #4: Yes. The
overall success of every school depends upon the effectiveness
of the principal and school site administration. The
administrators determine whether the academic and social
environment is conducive to teachers, students and parents for
positively and productively engaging in the academic progress of
the students. One specific example of the critical nature of the
principal and their administrative staff is of a principal that
has been transferred to four different schools in 11 years, with
each school dramatically improving their Academic Performance
Index.
Question# 5
Have you ever stood in a line to
support a labor union? How do you see your history with labor unions and UTLA? Cite a few
specific things you would do to help steer a better course between UTLA and LAUSD
administration. What is there about your history that indicates you have the ability to
do those things mentioned here?
Answer #5: My record of supporting
labor unions is unmatched by any candidate. I have stood with
SEIU in the Justice for Janitors Campaign, Security Officers in
the Stand for Security Campaign, United Long Term Health Care
Workers (ULTCW), United Health Care (UHW), Teamsters at the Port
of Los Angeles, AFSCME at UCLA, and Untied Teachers Los Angeles
(UTLA) in support of reinstating a teacher at Crenshaw High
School and against teacher layoffs.
I believe UTLA should be leading
education reform and I will bridge the gap between the unions,
district, board of education, community and parents to determine
the best solution for improving the quality of education without
compromising fundamental union provisions.
Question# 6
There are resolution-focused
agencies funded by citizens tax dollars recently investigating
dysfunction within LAUSD. If you win the campaign to be the next
school board member, will you open your office to work in
collaboration with the Office for Civil Rights within the
Education Department as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission and other government agencies to hear from government
about recurring types of complaints that cause concern?
This question is focused on
getting your view regarding a needed change of policy in order
to avoid ensuing wasteful litigation. Do you understand such a
collaboration could help LAUSD board to better define and
implement corrective measures concerning the delivery of
education and win back public trust?
Answer #6: Absolutely. I worked with a
coalition of civil rights and community based organizations that
successfully persuaded the Office for Civil rights (OCR) of the
Department of Education to include the widespread academic
underachievement of African American children in their
investigation of civil rights violations against English
Language Learners.
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